Asia-ISU-Spring2012 - Thailand Politics

Thailand Politics

Class Activities

Thailand Government House. Photo courtesy of tripsthailand.com

Thailand is a constitutional Monarchy
It has a Prime Minister that serves as the head of Parliament like the United Kingdom.
An association of political parties are headed by the Prime Minister.
Thai King serves as a hereditary head of the state and spiritual leader but has no absolute authority in Thailand’s politics.
As of 2012, the Thai King is his majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej.
As of 2011, the Prime Minister is Yingluck Shinawatra.

Thai King. Photo courtesy of photo-journ.com

Thai Prime Minister. Photo courtesy of wowelle.com

The Thai King has very little political power but demands popular respect.
This government has only been around since 1932, before that there was 700 years of outright rule by their kings.
Thai people are highly active in their government.

http://www.tourismthailand.org/about-thailand/politics/